mechie ọnụ
The English phrase "keep quiet" is translated into Igbo as mechie ọnụ.
mechie ọnụ is used to tell someone to remain silent.
Meaning: remain silent (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb mechie (to close or shut) and the noun ọnụ (mouth).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase mechie ọnụ functions as an imperative command. In Igbo, you do not need to add a separate possessive pronoun to express the meaning "shut your mouth".
Did you know?
- While mechie ọnụ translates literally as 'close mouth', using it toward an elder or a person of high status is considered extremely rude and can be seen as a grave insult.
- Because Igbo is a tonal language, changing the pitch of the vowels in mechie ọnụ can completely alter the meaning or render the phrase nonsensical to a native speaker.
- The noun ọnụ is a cognate with the Yoruba word ẹnu, suggesting a deep ancestral linguistic link between these two major West African language groups.
Examples in context
- Biko, mechie ọnụ gị.Please, keep quiet.
- Ọ ga-adị mma ma ị mechie ọnụ.It will be fine if you keep quiet.
Example conversation
Obinna and Chioma are in a library.
- ObinnaChioma, biko mechie ọnụ.Chioma, please keep quiet.
- ChiomaKedu ihe mere?Why is that?
- ObinnaAnyị nọ na ụlọ akwụkwọ.We are in the library.
- ChiomaỌ dị mma, aga m emechie ọnụ.Alright, I will keep quiet.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ọnụ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
